2005, Dharma School 50th Anniversary Year

Golden Anniversary Celebration

• 50th Anniversary Slide Show (5Mb PDF File)

• Messages

Special Pilgrimage Tour

• Itinerary

• Pilgrimage Tour Message

• Jidou-Nembutsu Hoshidan Program, Day 1

• Kikyoshiki Ceremony

• Jidou-Nembutsu Hoshidan Program, Day 2

• Commemorative Photo

• Message from Rev. Ryoga Suwa

• Visit Peace Park and A-Bomb Museum

• Venice Hongwanji in the News

Message given on Tuesday, August 2, 2005 at the Amida Hall, (Nishi) Hongwanji.

       Thank you everyone for coming to the Hongwanji. This morning everyone woke up very early and we were able to chant the Shoshinge together. This made me very happy. I wonder if you weren't a little bit sleepy during service.

       Thank you for doing volunteer work and helping to clean the Hongwanji. Was it hot and tiring?

       The Hongwanji is Shinran Shonin's temple. Right now the hall dedicated to Shinran Shonin is under repairs and his statue is here in the Amida Hall, but originally the statue was seated in the middle of the larger hall or the Goei-do. Our predecessors and ancestors built the large hall because Shinran Shonin taught us about the most important thing in our lives. Because of this, they took great care of the temple. That everyone came here to do volunteer work helps to keep this feeling alive.

       What is this single most important thing? It is to think of the Buddha who watches over us, supports us, and calls to us regardless of the place or time. It is to say the Name of Amida Buddha. When we think about Amida Buddha always being with us we grow stronger, more assured, and are better able to see the mistakes that we make. Because of this understanding our kind heart is able to come out, and we are able to understand many things.

       Please think of Amida Buddha and remember the Buddha when you are happy and when you are sad.

       Finally, during your next opportunity, please come back and enjoy your visit to the Hongwanji together with your friends and family.